Auckland flooding: Police say two people are dead and two are missing

At least two people have died following the flooding in Auckland, with two others unaccounted for police say.

The wild weather and heavy rain have caused widespread damage across the region, with flooding, evacuations and transport chaos. State Highway 1 north of Auckland is closed, and officials opened the new Puhoi motorway to rescue stranded motorists overnight. Auckland Airport is closed until at least midday on Saturday because of flooding, with no international or domestic flights departing or arriving.

This morning police confirmed staff were continuing to respond to a high number of calls to weather-related incidents after the severe weather yesterday and overnight.

Yesterday evening about 7.30pm a man was found dead in a flooded culvert in Wairau Valley.

About 12.30am, Police were called to a flooded carpark on Link Dr, also in Wairau Valley, after a report of another man was found dead.

Inquiries into the circumstances of both these deaths were ongoing, police said.

A report was received about 10.15pm that a man had been swept away by floodwaters in Onewhero.

A search and rescue team would deploy today to search for the missing man.

And about 7.35pm, Police and other emergency services responded to a call where a landslide had brought down a house on Shore Rd, Remuera.

One person remains unaccounted for.

The property will be assessed this morning, police said.

Police continued to urge people to stay home and not drive unless “absolutely necessary” today.

“Many roads are closed in the region due to flooding and slips, making it extremely dangerous to be on the roads,” a police spokesperson said.

“We will continue to support lead agencies today as they work to establish the extent of the damage and to assist those in need.”